Fire Agencies Prepare For Wildfire Season

CEDAR CITY, Utah — Several fire agencies came together in Cedar City for a bit of training as part of Community Wildfire Preparedness Day.

“We’re on the front side of a fire season that could be really, really robust in this part of the world,” said Greg Bartin, fire manager officer with Zion National Park. “Right now, it feels like its mid- to late-June, and it’s May 1.”

As of Saturday, Utah has seen 100 wildfires in 2021.

Fire crews urged homeowners to prepare now with a few simple actions:

• Clear any flammable debris — like grass cuttings or leaf piles — from your property.
• Make sure your lawn is mowed and hydrated.
• Create defensible space.
• Keep trees and shrubs at least 5 feet from your house.
• Trees should also be spaced out instead of in clusters.
• Make a plan for your family — including your pets — in case you have to evacuate.
• Know two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place.